Alabama Eye & Cataract Center cornea specialists Marc Michelson, M.D. and Tyler Hall, M.D. offered important advice on fireworks eye safety for the July 4th holiday. In general the best way to enjoy the fireworks this July 4th, is to leave their use and display to professionals trained and prepared to handle pyrotechnic displays. Eye safety is pretty critical with fireworks displays as we know that eye injuries are the second most frequent injury we see from emergency room each July 4th weekend. Especially for children, the best defense against kids suffering severe eye injuries and burns is to not let kids play with any fireworks. Do not purchase, use or store fireworks of any type. Attend only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators, but be aware that even professional displays can be dangerous. However, if an eye accident does occur, there are a few things you should know:
- Do Not Rub the Eye.
- Do Not Attempt to Rinse. Out the Eye. This can be even more damaging than rubbing.
- Do Not Apply Pressure to the Eye Itself-but DO protect the eye from further contact with any item, including the person’s hand.
- Do NOT Stop for Medicine! Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve pain. Aspirin (should never be given to children) and ibuprofen can thin the blood, increasing bleeding. Take the person to the emergency room at once.
- Do NOT Apply Ointments or Drops. They may not be sterile and may make the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine.
Once you are seen in the
emergency room please feel free to have them call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center at 205-930-0930 as we
always have an eye doctor “on call” to provide consultation and continued care
for you.
If you or someone you know wishes to learn more about
fireworks eye safety, please share this information with them and ask them to
schedule an appointment at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in
Birmingham by calling 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center,
Google+ or
www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision
Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract
Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands,
1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205
